OVERLORDE
"Return
of the Snow Giant" (Sonic Age; 2004)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Fans of true metal need look no further than Overlorde's "Return of the Snow Giant" to find a near perfect example of their favorite type of music.
With epically entertaining songs, thundering riff-heavy guitars, crushing drums and a vocalist who falls somewhere between Bruce Dickinson and Rob Halford in style and range, "Return of the Snow Giant" delivers unabashedly solid walls of classic metal noise that will have you banging your head old school. And, believe me, it feels good!
The lyrics throughout are heavy with fantasy characters and worlds (titles like "Snow Giant," "Starcastle," "Ogre Wizard" and "Colossus (Island of the Cyclops)" give the theme away) but are never over-the-top silly or laden with so much machismo to be laughable. Too many true metal and power metal records have been irrevocably sabotaged by being overdone that way. Thankfully, Overlorde never goes too far.
The production here should also be noted because it is crystal clear, crisp and explosive. The precise recording gives the CD even more of an impact.
"Return of the Snow Giant" is a great record for fans of the classic metal sound.
For more information visit http://www.overlorde.com.
"Demo
2000" (self-produced; 2000)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
"Overlorde 2000" is a four-song demo featuring some of the best true metal you've likely never heard. Personally, I was introduced to the sound of Overlorde on the PowerMad 2000 2-CD sampler via the song "Snow Giant." I’m not ashamed to admit that I put "Snow Giant" on many a mixed CD for friends and colleagues who might not be tuned into the metal underground. Invariably it was "Snow Giant" that received the best response of all the tracks from 'unknown' bands on these various CDs.
But I had to hear more. The band was kind enough to forward their circa-2000 demo to me. This demo was recorded not long after they reformed (having had some measure of success in the late ‘80s) with new vocalist Bobby "Leather Lungs" Lucas (ex-Seven Witches) in tow.
Although the band consists of the classic four person line-up (vocals, guitar, bass, drums), the tandem of guitarist Mark Edwards and bassist John "Kong" Bunucci have no trouble evoking the classic twin-guitar sound of classic bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Drummer Dave Wrenn keeps a solid rhythm at all times while adding classic metal flourishes and never overplaying. Vocalist Bobby "Leather Lungs" Lucas has a voice tailor made for true metal. Lucas' voice finds the balance between power and control with effortless ease. Lucas most easily draws favorable comparisons to Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, but remains distinctive in his own way.
The four tracks are solid true metal anthems that make it seem like the late '80s never went away. The lyrical themes focus on fantasy and battle images which is perfect for the band's sound.
All in all, Overlorde's "Demo 2000" is a fantastic introduction to a band that should continue to make waves in the traditional heavy metal and true metal genres. Fans of Vyndykator, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest will enjoy having Overlorde in the music collections.
"Demo 2000" was produced by Overlorde.
Overlorde is Bobby "Leather lungs" Lucas on vocals, Mark "M.E." Edwards on guitars, John "Kong" Bunucci on bass, and Dave Wrenn on drums.
For more information visit http://www.overlorde.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 18 Mar 2024 11:32:25 -0500.
